Ijo Waterspirit Mask, Nigeria

igodo
height 30 3/4in (78.1cm)

Provenance
Pace Primitive, New York
Private Collection, New York
Bonhams, New York, 19 November 2013, Lot 182
German Private Collection

". . . [the] water spirit headdress is used in the masquerades of the Ekine men's society (also Sekiapu). The headdresses worn in such performances blend the features of humans and aquatic animals (such as the hippopotamus) or fish. Although they are worn with a cloth and palm costume that covers the entire body, the headdress is the key element which is conceived of as the seat of the masquerade spirit's 'owner.' Ekine performances constitute a highly appreciated form of entertainment and invoke local water spirits for assistance and guidance. Skilled performers gain status in the community and are also the arbitrators of personal disputes." (Metropolitan Museum of Art, WEB, nd, 2013)

Intricately carved in light wood, the head protruding out from a slightly curved panel, rounded in the middle and rectilinear on top, four curved openwork flanges on each side and the bottom in rounded conical form with a raised zigzag motif above, the face with eyes projecting past the arched brows and on plane with the triangular nose and projecting mouth revealing teeth; fine blackened patina with encrustations and wear from cultural use.